2005 Pax Syrah Obsidian
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Tasting notes
The 2005 Syrah Obsidian Vineyard is from Knight’s Valley. This is steep hillside vineyard stuff with a dense, dark purple color, a phenomenally rich nose of brioche, acacia flowers, blackberry, and blueberry jam intermixed with some white chocolate and perhaps hints of fig and truffle. The wine is spicy, full-bodied, incredibly opulent, and thick, even unctuously textured, with great purity and richness. Moreover, the glycerin and viscosity cover up some huge tannins. This is an amazingly big, thick wine, but it still cascades over the palate like a waterfall. This wine should come into its own in several years and drink well for 10-15. Exciting wines seem to emerge annually from Pax Mahle, a self-trained winemaker (and all the better for it), and owner Joe Donelan. The 2005s are just hitting the shelf, and there are some sensational ones for sure. Tel. (707) 591-0782; Fax (707) 591-0784
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Surprisingly tight and structured, this is still an infant with some big potential. The nose shows rich dark cherry, blackberry, campfire, and coffee grind notes. Full bodied and powerful on the palate but also tight, tannic and slightly unforgiving at the moment. Even so, there's nice length and depth on the finish so if everything comes together, this could be a rock star wine.
Inky ruby. A huge, room-filling bouquet of dark cherry, blackcurrant, candied violet and licorice offers enormous sex appeal and great clarity. Lush, inky and powerfully built, with impressively energetic dark berry and cherry compote flavors. Very fine tannins add support but this is almost too big for its pants. Lovely boysenberry and mulberry flavors are given focus by subtle minerality, with the finish showing outstanding focus and persistence. I was really struck by the mix of ripeness and freshness here.